An Indian student team led by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has won four major awards at the inaugural International Space Games 2026, held in Moscow from October 26 to November 1. The team also received a Special Certificate of Recognition for its overall performance.

Team Abhyuday, IIT Madras' student rocketry team, represented India at the competition, which brought together more than 250 students from eight countries. India secured the highest number of major awards among the participating national teams.

Seven students contributed to India's mission through two operational groups. The Mission Crew, based in Moscow, comprised Sai Praneeth and Kadiyala Sai Pravallika. The Earth Laboratory team, operating from IIT Roorkee, included Manish Saravanakumar, Kiruthic Pranesh Kannan, Nihil Sanjeev, Shanmuk Daggumalli and Deekshitha R.

The Indian contingent also collaborated with students from IIT Bombay and Delhi University. The Earth Laboratory team provided scientific and technical support to the mission in real time.

Among the individual recognitions, Sai Praneeth received the Best Mission Control Centre (MCC) Operator Award. Sai Pravallika received a Certificate of Appreciation for her work in operating rovers and drones.

The broader Indian contingent was recognised alongside participants from other countries in three award categories. India and Kazakhstan were named the best communications systems specialists, while participants from India and Kazakhstan also received the Best Researchers distinction. India was among the countries represented in the award for Best Mission Control Centre Teams, alongside Mexico and Pakistan.

The International Space Games simulated a mission to Mars, with participants tasked with ensuring the sustainable functioning of an autonomous settlement on another planet. Students worked through engineering, scientific and technological challenges under conditions designed to replicate the isolation of a space expedition.

The teams completed two 48-hour periods of isolation at simulated research stations, addressing challenges involving life-support systems, communications, energy supply, robotics and other mission operations. A flight control centre at Bauman Moscow State Technical University coordinated communications and provided round-the-clock support.

The competition was organised by HSE University under the coordination of Russia's Ministry of Science and Higher Education and the state space corporation Roscosmos. Teams from China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Russia participated.

The organisers said the format was designed around international cooperation rather than competition between individual countries. At the closing ceremony, Russian Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Dmitry Afanasyev said participants had demonstrated the importance of combining technical knowledge, communication and teamwork to address complex challenges.

The event also included the Orbita International Space Tournament for school and university students, which featured satellite engineering and space exploration projects. A separate Autonomous Systems League challenged participants to design human-agent management systems for autonomous stations.

During the closing programme, organisers also announced plans to establish an International Space Academy to help participants move from engineering competitions into research and development.